biofeedback

Definition

Biofeedback, or applied psychophysiological feedback, is a patient-guided treatment that teaches an individual to control muscle tension, pain, body temperature, brain waves, and other bodily functions and processes through relaxation, visualization, and other cognitive control techniques. The name biofeedback refers to the biological signals that are fed back, or returned, to the patient in order for the patient to develop techniques of manipulating them.

Description

In 1961, Neal Miller, an experimental psychologist, suggested that autonomic nervous system responses (for instance, heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal activity, regional blood flow) could be under voluntary control. As a result of his experiments, he showed that such autonomic processes were controllable. This work led to the creation of biofeedback therapy. Willer's work was expanded by other researchers. Thereafter, research performed in the 1970s by UCLA researcher Dr. Barry Sterman established that both cats and monkeys could be trained to control their brain wave patterns. Sterman then used his research techniques on human patients with epilepsy, where he was able to reduce seizures by 60% with the use of biofeedback techniques. Throughout the 1970s, other researchers published reports of their use of biofeedback in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, and excess stomach acid, and as a tool for teaching deep relaxation. Since the early work of Miller and Sterman, biofeedback has developed into a front-line behavioral treatment for an even wider range of disorders and symptoms.

During biofeedback, special sensors are placed on the body. These sensors measure the bodily function that is causing the patient problem symptoms, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension (EMG or electromyographic feedback), brain waves (EEC or electroencophalographic feedback), respiration, and body temperature (thermal feedback), and translates the information into a visual and/or audible readout, such as a paper tracing, a light display, or a series of beeps.

While the patient views the instantaneous feedback from the biofeedback monitors, he or she begins to recognize what thoughts, fears, and mental images influence his or her physical reactions. By monitoring this relationship between mind and body, the patient can then use these same thoughts and mental images as subtle cues, as these act as reminders to become deeply relaxed, instead of anxious. These reminders also work to manipulate heart beat, brain wave patterns, body temperature, and other bodily functions. This is achieved through relaxation exercises, mental imagery, and other cognitive therapy techniques.

As the biofeedback response takes place, patients can actually see or hear the results of their efforts instantly through the sensor readout on the biofeedback equipment. Once these techniques are learned and the patient is able to recognize the state of relaxation or visualization necessary to alleviate symptoms, the biofeedback equipment itself is no longer needed. The patient then has a powerful, portable, and self-administered treatment tool to deal with problem symptoms.

Biofeedback that specializes in reading and altering brain waves is sometimes called neurofeedback. The brain produces four distinct types of brain waves—delta, theta, alpha, and beta—that all operate at a different frequency.

Delta, the slowest frequency wave, is the brain wave pattern associated with sleep. Beta waves, which occur in a normal, waking state, can range from 12-35 Hz. Problems begin to develop when beta wave averages fall in the low end (underarousal) or the high end (over-arousal) of that spectrum. Underarousal might be present in conditions such as depression or attention-deficit disorder, and overarousal may be indicative of an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or excessive stress. Beta wave neurofeedback focuses on normalizing that beta wave pattern to an optimum value of around 14 Hz. A second type of neurofeedback, alpha-theta, focuses on developing the more relaxing alpha (8-13 Hz) and theta waves (4-9 Hz) that are usually associated with deep, meditative states, and has been used with some success in substance abuse treatment.

Through brain wave manipulation, neurofeedback can be useful in treating a variety of disorders that are suspected or proven to impact brain wave patterns, such as epilepsy, attention-deficit disorder, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and sleep disorders. The equipment used for neurofeed-back usually uses a monitor as an output device. The monitor displays specific patterns that the patient attempts to change by producing the appropriate type of brain wave. Or, the monitor may reward the patient for producing the appropriate brain wave by producing a positive reinforcer, or reward. For example, children may be rewarded with a series of successful moves in a displayed video game.

Depending on the type of biofeedback, individuals may need up to 30 sessions with a trained professional to learn the techniques required to control their symptoms on a long-term basis. Therapists usually recommend that their patients practice both biofeedback and relaxation techniques on their own at home.

— Paula Ford-Martin

For more information on biofeedback, visit Britannica.com.

The instrumented process or technique of learning voluntary control over automatically regulated body functions; useful in the treatment of bruxism, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and pain, and in facilitating anxiety control in the dental setting.

Definition

Biofeedback, or applied psychophysiological feedback, is a patient-guided treatment that teaches an individual to control muscle tension, pain, body temperature, brain waves, and other bodily functions and processes through relaxation, visualization, and other cognitive control techniques. The name biofeedback refers to the biological signals that are fed back, or returned, to the patient in order for the patient to develop techniques of manipulating them.

Origins

In 1961, Neal Miller, an experimental psychologist, suggested that autonomic nervous system responses (for instance, heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal activity, regional blood flow) could be under voluntary control. As a result of his experiments, he showed that such autonomic processes were controllable. This work led to the creation of biofeedback therapy. Willer's work was expanded by other researchers. Thereafter, research performed in the 1970s by UCLA researcher Dr. Barry Sterman established that both cats and monkeys could be trained to control their brain wave patterns. Sterman then used his research techniques on human patients with epilepsy, where he was able to reduce seizures by 60% with the use of biofeedback techniques. Throughout the 1970s, other researchers published reports of their use of biofeedback in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, and excess stomach acid, and as a tool for teaching deep relaxation. Since the early work of Miller and Sterman, biofeedback has developed into a front-line behavioral treatment for an even wider range of disorders and symptoms.

Benefits

Biofeedback has been used to successfully treat a number of disorders and their symptoms, including tempromandibular joint disorder (TMJ), chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Raynaud's syndrome, epilepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD), migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and sleep disorders.

Illnesses that may be triggered at least in part by stress are also targeted by biofeedback therapy. Certain types of headaches, high blood pressure, bruxism (teeth grinding), post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and some anxiety disorders may be treated successfully by teaching patients the ability to relax and release both muscle and mental tension. Biofeedback is often just one part of a comprehensive treatment program for some of these disorders.

NASA has used biofeedback techniques to treat astronauts who suffer from severe space sickness, during which the autonomic nervous system is disrupted. Scientists at the University of Tennessee have adapted these techniques to treat individuals suffering from severe nausea and vomiting that is also rooted in autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Recent research also indicates that biofeedback may be a useful tool in helping patients with urinary incontinence regain bladder control. Individuals learning pelvicfloor muscle strengthening exercises can gain better control over these muscles by using biofeedback. Sensors are placed on the muscles to train the patient where they are and when proper contractions are taking place.

Description

During biofeedback, special sensors are placed on the body. These sensors measure the bodily function that is causing the patient problem symptoms, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension (EMG or electromyographic feedback), brain waves (EEC or electroencophalographic feedback), respiration, and body temperature (thermal feedback), and translates the information into a visual and/or audible readout, such as a paper tracing, a light display, or a series of beeps.

While the patient views the instantaneous feedback from the biofeedback monitors, he or she begins to recognize what thoughts, fears, and mental images influence his or her physical reactions. By monitoring this relationship between mind and body, the patient can then use these same thoughts and mental images as subtle cues, as these act as reminders to become deeply relaxed, instead of anxious. These reminders also work to manipulate heart beat, brain wave patterns, body temperature, and other bodily functions. This is achieved through relaxation exercises, mental imagery, and other cognitive therapy techniques.

As the biofeedback response takes place, patients can actually see or hear the results of their efforts instantly through the sensor readout on the biofeedback equipment. Once these techniques are learned and the patient is able to recognize the state of relaxation or visualization necessary to alleviate symptoms, the biofeedback equipment itself is no longer needed. The patient then has a powerful, portable, and self-administered treatment tool to deal with problem symptoms.

Biofeedback that specializes in reading and altering brain waves is sometimes called neurofeedback. The brain produces four distinct types of brain waves—delta, theta, alpha, and beta—that all operate at a different frequency. Delta, the slowest frequency wave, is the brain wave pattern associated with sleep. Beta waves, which occur in a normal, waking state, can range from 12-35 Hz. Problems begin to develop when beta wave averages fall in the low end (underarousal) or the high end (over-arousal) of that spectrum. Underarousal might be present in conditions such as depression or attention-deficit disorder, and overarousal may be indicative of an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or excessive stress. Beta wave neurofeedback focuses on normalizing that beta wave pattern to an optimum value of around 14 Hz. A second type of neurofeedback, alpha-theta, focuses on developing the more relaxing alpha (8-13 Hz) and theta waves (4-9 Hz) that are usually associated with deep, meditative states, and has been used with some success in substance abuse treatment.

Through brain wave manipulation, neurofeedback can be useful in treating a variety of disorders that are suspected or proven to impact brain wave patterns, such as epilepsy, attention-deficit disorder, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and sleep disorders. The equipment used for neurofeedback usually uses a monitor as an output device. The monitor displays specific patterns that the patient attempts to change by producing the appropriate type of brain wave. Or, the monitor may reward the patient for producing the appropriate brain wave by producing a positive reinforcer, or reward. For example, children may be rewarded with a series of successful moves in a displayed video game.

Depending on the type of biofeedback, individuals may need up to 30 sessions with a trained professional to learn the techniques required to control their symptoms on a long-term basis. Therapists usually recommend that their patients practice both biofeedback and relaxation techniques on their own at home.

Preparations

Before initiating biofeedback treatment, the therapist and patient will have an initial consultation to record the patients medical history and treatment background and discuss goals for therapy.

Before a neurofeedback session, an EEG is taken from the patient to determine his or her baseline brainwave pattern.

Biofeedback typically is performed in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating for the patient. Depending on the type and goals of biofeedback being performed, one or more sensors will be attached to the patient's body with conductive gel and/or adhesives. These may include:

• Electromyographic (EMG) sensors. EMG sensors measure electrical activity in the muscles, specifically muscle tension. In treating TMJ or bruxism, these sensors would be placed along the muscles of the jaw. Chronic pain might be treated by monitoring electrical energy in other muscle groups.
• Galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors. These are electrodes placed on the fingers that monitor perspiration, or sweat gland, activity. These may also be called skin conductance level (SCL).
• Temperature sensors. Temperature, or thermal, sensors measure body temperature and changes in blood flow.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors. These electrodes are applied to the scalp to measure the electrical activity of the brain, or brain waves.
• Heart rate sensors. A pulse monitor placed on the finger tip can monitor pulse rate.
• Respiratory sensors. Respiratory sensors monitor oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output.

Precautions

Individuals who use a pacemaker or other implantable electrical devices should inform their biofeedback therapist before starting treatments, as certain types of biofeedback sensors have the potential to interfere with these devices.

Biofeedback may not be suitable for some patients. Patients must be willing to take a very active role in the treatment process. And because biofeedback focuses strictly on behavioral change, those patients who wish to gain insight into their symptoms by examining their past might be better served by psychodynamic therapy.

Biofeedback may also be inappropriate for cognitively impaired individuals, such as those patients with organic brain disease or a traumatic brain injury, depending on their levels of functioning.

Patients with specific pain symptoms of unknown origin should undergo a thorough medical examination before starting biofeedback treatments to rule out any serious underlying disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, biofeedback can be used concurrently with conventional treatment.

Biofeedback may only be one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. For illnesses and symptoms that are manifested from an organic disease process, such as cancer or diabetes, biofeedback should be an adjunct to (complementary to), and not a replacement for, conventional medical treatment.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects to properly administered biofeedback or neurofeedback sessions.

Research & General Acceptance

Preliminary research published in late 1999 indicated that neurofeedback may be a promising new tool in the treatment of schizophrenia. Researchers reported that schizophrenic patients had used neurofeedback to simulate brain wave patterns that antipsychotic medications produce in the brain. Further research is needed to determine what impact this may have on treatment for schizophrenia.

The use of biofeedback techniques to treat an array of disorders has been extensively described in the medical literature. Controlled studies for some applications are limited, such as for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and premenstrual disorder (PMS). There is also some debate over the effectiveness of biofeedback in ADHD treatment, and the lack of controlled studies on that application. While many therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals have reported great success with treating their ADHD patients with neurofeedback techniques, some critics attribute this positive therapeutic impact to a placebo effect.

There may also be some debate among mental health professionals as to whether biofeedback should be considered a first line treatment for some mental illnesses, and to what degree other treatments, such as medication, should be employed as an adjunct therapy.

Training & Certification

Individuals wishing to try biofeedback should contact a healthcare professional trained in biofeedback techniques. Licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians frequently train their patients in biofeedback techniques, or can recommend a specialist who does. In some cases, a licensed professional may employ a biofeedback technician who works under their direct guidance when treating patients. There are several national organizations for biofeedback therapists, including the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America, which also certifies therapists in the practice.

Resources

Books

Robbins, Jim. A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback. Boston, MA: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2000.

Periodicals

Burgio, K.L. et al. "Behavioral vs. Drug Treatment for Urge Urinary Incontinence in Older Women: A randomized controlled trial." Journal of the American Medical Association 280 (Dec. 1998): 1995-2000.

Robbins, Jim. "On the Track with Neurofeedback." Newsweek 135, no. 25 (June 2000): 76.

Organizations

The Association for Applied Psychotherapy and Biofeedback. 10200 W. 44th Avenue, Suite 304, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2840. (303) 422-8436. .

Biofeedback Certification Institute of America. 10200 W. 44th Avenue, Suite 310, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. (303) 420-2902.

[Article by: Paula Ford-Martin]

Continuous visual or auditory information supplied to a subject concerning his or her physiological responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure, at the same time as they occur. See also biofeedback training.

A term covering a range of EEG (electroencephalographic) feedback instruments and techniques, as well as apparatus giving information on other biological functions. Biofeedback instruments can convey to the subject the characteristics of his own brainwaves, skin resistance, or heartbeats so that he can learn to modify these functions consciously. In this way, the subject can enhance his capacity for relaxation or reproduce some of the psycho-physiological control shown by yogis and Zen masters.

Modification of brainwaves by biofeedback machines was first introduced in the United States by Joe Kamiya in the late 1960s; Elmer Green of the Menninger Clinic promoted the practice through the 1970s. It appeared that biofeedback could become a major technique within transpersonal psychology, and that subjects could be trained to control or to generate brain wave activity at will, thus achieving altered states of consciousness leading to the production of various psychic, spiritual, and mystical experiences.

The chief brain waves identified within biofeedback studies are: alpha (related to relaxation and dream states), frequency 8 to 13 cycles per second (cps); beta (mental and visual activity), 14 to 50 cps; theta (dream and sleep states), 4 to 7 cps; and delta (deep sleep states), 0.5 to 3.5 cps.

The simple relationship first thought to exist between brain waves and psychic and spiritual development proved to be much more complicated and ambiguous than originally believed. At present biofeedback has been used mainly in teaching people to alter various body functions to improve their health; it has been particularly effective in cases of migraine headaches.

Sources:

Green, Elmer. "Biofeedback for Mind-Body Self-Regulation: Healing and Creativity." In The Varieties of Healing Experience: Exploring Psychic Phenomena and Healing. Los Altos, Calif.: Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine, 1971.

Kamiya, Joe. "Conscious Control of Brain Waves." Psychology Today 1, no. 11 (April 1968).

Stearn, Jess. The Power of Alpha-Thinking: Miracle of the Mind. New York: William Morrow, 1976. Reprint, New York: New American Library, 1977.

Timmons, Beverly, and Joe Kamiya. "The Psychology and Physiology of Meditation and Related Phenomena." Journal of Transpersonal Psychology 1 (1970).

A training technique by which a person learns how to regulate certain body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or brain wave patterns, that are normally considered to be involuntary. The person learns by watching special monitoring instruments attached to the body that record changes in these functions.

The Biofeedback Method

Biofeedback is a non-medical process that involves measuring a subject's specific and quantifiable bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat gland activity, and muscle tension, conveying the information to the patient in real-time. This raises the patient's awareness and therefore the possibility of conscious control of those functions.

By providing the user access to physiological information about which he or she may be unaware, biofeedback may allow users to gain control of physical processes previously considered an automatic response of the autonomous nervous system. Interest in biofeedback has waxed and waned since its inception in the 1960s; it is, however, undergoing something of a renaissance during the early 21st century, which some experts attribute to the general rise in interest about all alternative medicine modalities. Small biofeedback machines are becoming available for use in the home.

The "Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback", or "AAPB" is a non-profit scientific and professional society for biofeedback practitioners. Originally called "The Biofeedback Research Society", its name was first changed to the "Biofeedback Society of America," and then it was once again changed to its latest name.

Contents 1 Origins 2 Major modalities 2.1 Electromyograph 2.2 Feedback thermometer 2.3 Electrodermograph 2.4 Electroencephalograph 2.5 Photoplethysmograph 2.6 Pneumograph 2.7 Capnometer 2.8 Hemoencephalography 3 Biofeedback in electronic games 4 Biofeedback in art, music, etc. 5 Criticisms 6 External links 6.1 University project 6.2 Open source project 7 Notes and references

Origins

Donald Shearn first demonstrated biofeedback using operant conditioning of heart rate. (1962). Neal Miller later used this procedure, and hypothesized that any measurable physiological behavior within the human body would respond in some way to voluntary control.

DiCara & Miller (1968) found that by stimulating the pleasure center of a paralyzed rat's brain with electricity thereby rewarding them with something that might make them act in some way to make the physiological changes, it was possible to train them to control phenomena ranging from their heart rate to their blood pressure and body temperature ^[1]. Until Miller's research, it was believed by the scientific community that physiological processes (e.g. heart rate) were solely under the control of the autonomic nervous system and not responsive to conscious effort^[2]. Miller later retracted many of his claims because he was unable to replicate much of the data that he had published with Leo DiCara,the primary graduate assistant with whom he published all of his biofeedback results. One year after receiving a tenured position at the University of Michigan because of his groundbreaking work with Miller, Leo DiCara committed suicide.

The hypotheses proposed by Miller and colleagues make up one of three major approaches to understanding the mechanism of self-regulation of the body. Voluntary control of the autonomic nervous system had previously been considered impossible, something only controlled by conditioning.

Other threads of inquiry that led to the present-day "biofeedback" emerged from clinical attempts to use mind/body self-regulation techniques in healthcare. Dr. Elmer Green of the Menninger Foundation performed some of the original research on the limits of human self-regulation of processes normally controlled by the unconscious mind applied to the treatment of migraine headaches and hypertension. Dr. Barbara Brown was the first to coin the word "biofeedback" during the early days of experimentation, at the same time as the formation of the Biofeedback Research Society. Other early pioneers were interested in the study of "consciousness" and looked towards electroencephalogram (EEG) self-regulation as a way to approach mind vs. brain dichotomy (see the work of Dr.Kamiya). Other early efforts in the field of biofeedback were directed toward the examination of claims by yogis and others who meditate who were able to demonstrate mind/body control and markers of states of consciousness.^[3] See Elmer Green et al. Beyond Biofeedback and Barbara Brown Stress & The Art of Biofeedback for some early writings.

Major modalities

Electromyograph

An electromyograph, or EMG is one of the most commonly used modalities in biofeedback treatment. An EMG in a biofeedback setting typically uses electrodes in order to measure muscle action potentials. These action potentials result in muscle tension. The patient can learn to recognize the way tension subjectively feels by using the objective EMG readings, and as a result learn to control the muscle tension. EMG is used as a relaxation technique to ease tension in the muscles causing backaches, neck pain, TMD, incontinence, and tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. EMG is also used in the process of muscle rehabilitation, such as in cases of paralysis resulting from Cerebral Palsy, stroke, and incomplete spinal cord lesions.

Feedback thermometer

A thermistor attached to the subject's digits or web dorsum measures the subject's skin temperature. Because there is a correlation between a drop in body temperature and the patient's experience of stress, a low temperature reading indicates the need to begin relaxation techniques. Temperature biofeedback can also help in treating certain circulatory disorders, such as Raynaud's disease, and can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. The physiological processes which are being trained in this modality are vasoconstriction and vasodilation, where blood vessel size is a result of the contraction and relaxation of smooth musculature in the vessel walls. The mechanism being trained in warming exercises is a beta-adrenergic vasodilator mechanism. ^[4]

Electrodermograph

In electrodermograph training, sensors measure the activity of a patient's sweat glands. The amount of electrical resistance measured on the skin indicates the level of anxiety. This information can then be used to treat emotional disorders such as phobias, anxiety and stuttering. The best-known use of this method of biofeedback is in polygraph machines. Galvanic skin response meters are currently gaining popularity in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy practices, so subtle physiological changes that indicate emotional arousal can be more easily detected.

Electroencephalograph

An electroencephalograph, or EEG monitors the activity of brain waves. These brain waves correspond to different mental states, such as wakefulness (Beta waves), relaxation (Alpha waves), calmness (Theta waves), and light sleep and deep sleep (Delta waves).

Photoplethysmograph

Photoplethysmographs, or PPGs, in biofeedback are used to measure peripheral blood flow, heart rate, and heart rate variability(HRV). To measure HRV, PPGs measure the varying distances between heart beats, also known as the interbeat interval (IBI). This data guides users in finding a breathing pattern that increases their variability.

Pneumograph

A pneumograph measures abdominal/chest movement (as when breathing), usually with a strain gauge. They are used to detect breathing rate, and correct ineffective breathing patterns such as thoracic breathing, reverse breathing, and apnea. They are also often used in conjunction with a PPG in HRV training.

Capnometer

A capnometer measures end-tidal CO2 with an infrared detector. All biofeedback training that employs the use of a capnometer aims at normalizing end-tidal CO2 at 5%.

Hemoencephalography

See also: Hemoencephalography

Hemoencephalography, or HEG biofeedback is an attempt at functional infrared imaging. As its name describes, it measures the differences in the color of light reflected back through the scalp based on the relative amount of oxygenated and unoxygenated blood in the brain. The reliability and applicability of HEG is still in question and it is almost exclusively used for biofeedback.

Biofeedback in electronic games

Charles Wehrenberg implemented competitive-relaxation as a gaming paradigm with the Will Ball Games circa 1973. In the first bio-mechanical versions, comparative GSR inputs monitored each player's relaxation response and moved the Will Ball across a playing field appropriately using stepper motors. In 1984 Wehrenberg programmed the Will Ball games for Apple II computers. The Will Ball game itself is described as pure competitive-relaxation; Brain Ball is a duel between one player's left and right brain hemispheres; Mood Ball is an obstacle based game; Psycho Dice is a psycho-kinetic game.^[5] In 2001, the company Journey to Wild Divine began producing biofeedback hardware and software for the Macintosh and Windows operating systems. Third-party and open-source software and games are also available for the Wild Divine hardware. Tetris 64 makes use of biofeedback to adjust the speed of the tetris puzzle game.

Biofeedback in art, music, etc.

Main article: Amigdalae

Biofeedback data and biofeedback technology are used by Massimiliano Peretti in a contemporary art environment, the Amigdalae project. This project explores the way in which emotional reactions filter and distort human perception and observation. During the performance, biofeedback medical technology, such as the EEG, body temperature variations, heart rate, and galvanic responses, are used to analyze an audience's emotions while they watch the video art. Using these signals, the music changes so that the consequent sound environment simultaneously mirrors and distorts the viewer's emotional state. ^[6][7] More information is available at the website of the CNRS French National Center of Neural Research[1].

David Rosenboom has worked to develop musical instruments that would respond to mental and physiological commands. Playing these instruments can be learned through a process of biofeedback.

In the mid-seventies, there was an episode of the television series, "The Bionic Woman", that featured a doctor who could "heal" himself using biofeedback techniques to communicate to his body and react to stimuli. For example, he could exhibit "super" powers, such as walking on hot coals, by feeling the heat on the sole of his feet and then convincing his body to react by sending large quantities of perspiration to compensate. He could also convince his body to deliver extremely high levels of adrenalin to provide more energy to allow him to run faster, jump higher, etc. When injured, he could slow his heart rate to reduce blood pressure, send extra platelets to aid in clotting a wound and increase white blood cells to an area to attack infection.[2]

Criticisms

Undisputed scientific research in the possible application of biofeedback is lacking. While many claims have been made as to treatments for various conditions, it is suggested that the applications of real biofeedback are limited, specific and generally well known.^[8] Specifically, claims that biofeedback is an effective treatment for ADHD (and many other conditions) are viewed with skepticism by some within the medical community.^[9][10] Furthermore, some believe that the use of biofeedback (like most alternative medical "treatments") for stress and anxiety is expensive, though less so than pharmaceuticals, and might be replaced with simple relaxation training, meditation, and self-hypnosis.

External links

• Biofeedback information from the Mayo Clinic
• The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)
• The Israeli Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
• The International Society for Neurofeedback Research (ISNR)
• Biofeedback from Zing Health in Australia

University project

• University of Vienna : cours Biomedical Engineering, Electromyography (EMG)
• Hardware, EMG (Escuela de Ingeniera de Antioquia, Colombie)
• Electroencephalographe,EEG, Wireless (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA)

Open source project

• Stress et biofeedback, bioamplificateur, EMG (French)
• OpenEEG project

Notes and references

1. ^ DiCara, L.V. & Miller, N.E. (1968). Instrumental learning of systolic blood pressure responses by curarized rats. Psychosomatic medicine, 30, 489-494.
2. ^ Guardian Unlimited | Archive Search
3. ^ Harvard Gazette
4. ^ RA Cohen and JD Coffman, "Beta-adrenergic vasodilator mechanism in the finger", Circulation Research, Vol 49, 1196-1201
5. ^ Charles Wehrenberg Will Ball, Solo Zone, San Francisco, 1995/2001 ISBN 1-886163-02-2
6. ^ under changes
7. ^ Scope New York Home
8. ^ Biofeedback Technology: A Prospectus
9. ^ Frequently Asked Questions
10. ^ Medem: Medical Library: ADHD — Unproven Treatments

v • d • e Psychotherapy Socioenvironmental Milieu therapy  · Group psychotherapy (Couples therapy  · Family therapy  · Marital therapy  · Sensitivity training groups)  · Residential treatment Psychotherapeutic processes Abreaction (Catharsis) · Association · Transference (Countertransference) Sensory art therapy Aromatherapy · Art therapy  · Color therapy  · Dance therapy  · Music therapy  · Play therapy  · Psychodrama Behavior therapy Aversive therapy · Biofeedback · Cognitive therapy/Cognitive behavioral therapy · Desensitization · Sleep phase chronotherapy Other Autogenic training  · Bibliotherapy  · Biofeedback  · Crisis intervention  · Gestalt therapy  · Hypnosis  · Imagery  · Nondirective therapy  · Psychoanalytic therapy  · Brief psychotherapy  · Psychodynamic psychotherapy · Rational emotive behavior therapy  · Reality therapy psychology navs: mental processes, disorders, symptoms/signs, speech/voice, psychotherapy

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Dansk (Danish)
n. - biofeedback

Nederlands (Dutch)
biofeedback

Français (French)
n. - bio-feedback

Deutsch (German)
n. - Technik zur Willenssteuerung

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - βιοανάδραση

Italiano (Italian)
training autogeno

Português (Portuguese)
n. - biofeedback (Ingl.)

Русский (Russian)
следить за пациентом с электронными приборами

Español (Spanish)
n. - biorretracción

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - biofeedback

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
生物反馈

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 生物反饋

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 생물 자기 제어

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 生体自己制御

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) طريقه للسيطرة على بعض الوظائف الجسديه تحت المراقبه‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮טכניקת משוב ביולוגי‬

If you are unable to view some languages clearly, click here.

To select your translation preferences click here.